Solmetric PV ANALYZER PVA-1500 Series User manual

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SOLMETRIC PV ANALYZER™I-V CURVE TRACER
USER’S GUIDE
PVA-1500
Versions S, V2, V3, V4, T, and HE
with SolSensor™300/300V2

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© Copyright Solmetric Corporation, 2010 –2023
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or
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Part No. 600-90001
PVA Software Version 4.15 or higher
May 2023
The PV Analyzer is Made in the USA.
Solmetric Corporation
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Getting Started
1-1
Contents
1GETTING STARTED ........................................................................................................................................ 1-8
OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................................. 1-8
COMPUTER MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................... 1-9
EQUIPMENT............................................................................................................................................................ 1-9
Curve Tracer Equipment................................................................................................................................... 1-9
SolSensor Equipment...................................................................................................................................... 1-10
SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................................................................... 1-11
PVA-1500 I-V Measurement Unit Specifications .......................................................................................... 1-11
PVA-1500 Test Lead and Clip Specifications ................................................................................................ 1-13
SolSensor Specifications................................................................................................................................. 1-14
SAFETY AND REGULATORY.................................................................................................................................. 1-15
PVA-1500 Safety and Regulatory................................................................................................................... 1-15
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes .................................................................................................................. 1-15
Declaration of Conformity.......................................................................................................................... 1-16
Cleaning...................................................................................................................................................... 1-16
Instrument Markings .................................................................................................................................. 1-16
SolSensor Safety and Regulatory.................................................................................................................... 1-17
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes .................................................................................................................. 1-17
Declaration of Conformity ......................................................................................................................... 1-17
Cleaning...................................................................................................................................................... 1-17
Instrument Markings .................................................................................................................................. 1-17
PRECAUTIONS ...................................................................................................................................................... 1-18
PVA-1500 Precautions.................................................................................................................................... 1-18
Using Test Leads and Clips........................................................................................................................ 1-18
Using PV Connector Saver Jumpers........................................................................................................... 1-19
PV/Electrical Safety Precautions................................................................................................................ 1-19
Battery Precautions..................................................................................................................................... 1-20
Measuring High-Efficiency PV Modules ................................................................................................... 1-21
SolSensor Precautions..................................................................................................................................... 1-21
Covering the Irradiance Sensor .................................................................................................................. 1-21
Cleaning the Irradiance Sensor................................................................................................................... 1-21
Battery Precautions..................................................................................................................................... 1-21
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE................................................................................................................................. 1-22
I-V Measurement Unit Installation Procedure................................................................................................ 1-22
Hardware Installation ................................................................................................................................. 1-22
Software Installation................................................................................................................................... 1-22
Updating the PV Equipment Databases...................................................................................................... 1-25
SolSensor Installation Procedure .................................................................................................................... 1-25
CHARGING THE BATTERY .................................................................................................................................... 1-25
Charging the Battery on the PVA-1500 I-V Measurement units.................................................................... 1-25
Charging the SolSensor................................................................................................................................... 1-26
YOUR WIRELESS NETWORK................................................................................................................................. 1-27
Your PVA-1500/SolSensor Wireless Network............................................................................................... 1-27
2SETTING UP AND USING THE I-V MEASUREMENT UNIT AND SOLSENSOR ............................... 2-29
SYSTEM CONTROLS AND SETTINGS...................................................................................................................... 2-29

Getting Started
1-2
Operational States of the PVA-1500 I-V Unit and Solsensor......................................................................... 2-30
SETTING UP THE I-V MEASUREMENT UNIT.......................................................................................................... 2-31
SETTING UP SOLSENSOR...................................................................................................................................... 2-32
MOUNTING SOLSENSOR TO A PV MODULE FRAME............................................................................................... 2-33
OPTIMIZING WIRELESS TRANSMISSION RANGE ..................................................................................................... 2-36
MOUNTING SOLSENSOR ON A TRIPOD.................................................................................................................. 2-37
CONNECTING TO THE SOLAR PV EQUIPMENT ...................................................................................................... 2-39
POWERING-UP THE I-V MEASUREMENT UNIT...................................................................................................... 2-40
I-V MEASUREMENTS............................................................................................................................................ 2-41
SWEEP DISABLED................................................................................................................................................. 2-41
OVER-TEMPERATURE PROTECTION ..................................................................................................................... 2-41
Sweep-to-Sweep Delay and Thermal Capacity of the PVA-1500 .................................................................. 2-42
Operating Under High-Temperature Conditions............................................................................................. 2-43
OVER-VOLTAGE WARNINGS................................................................................................................................ 2-43
PVA-1500 Over-voltage Condition ................................................................................................................ 2-43
OVER-CURRENT WARNINGS................................................................................................................................ 2-44
REVERSE POLARITY OR ZERO VOLTS DETECTION ............................................................................................... 2-44
3SOFTWARE OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................................. 3-45
USING PROJECTS.................................................................................................................................................. 3-45
USING THE SYSTEM TREE .................................................................................................................................... 3-46
MAIN SCREEN OVERVIEW.................................................................................................................................... 3-46
MENU BAR........................................................................................................................................................... 3-47
File Menu........................................................................................................................................................ 3-47
Browse Project ........................................................................................................................................... 3-47
Recent Projects........................................................................................................................................... 3-47
Export Trace for Active Measurement ....................................................................................................... 3-47
Export Traces for Entire System ................................................................................................................ 3-47
Export Meg Test Data ................................................................................................................................ 3-48
New Project................................................................................................................................................ 3-48
Selecting your PV Module..................................................................................................................... 3-50
Creating the System Tree....................................................................................................................... 3-51
Using the Symmetrical Tree Builder...................................................................................................... 3-52
CLONING,MODIFYING,AND REUSING A PREVIOUS PROJECT............................................................................... 3-55
Properties Menu.............................................................................................................................................. 3-56
View Menu ..................................................................................................................................................... 3-56
Trace view options... .................................................................................................................................. 3-56
Show Meg Test Tab.................................................................................................................................... 3-56
Utility Menu.................................................................................................................................................... 3-56
Help Menu ...................................................................................................................................................... 3-60
USING THE TAB SCREENS..................................................................................................................................... 3-61
Traces Tab....................................................................................................................................................... 3-61
Table Tab........................................................................................................................................................ 3-65
History Tab..................................................................................................................................................... 3-66
Meg Test Tab.................................................................................................................................................. 3-68
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPORTED I-V DATA FILE ................................................................................................. 3-69
BASIS OF PV PERFORMANCE PREDICTIONS.......................................................................................................... 3-74
SolSensor Irradiance Calibration .................................................................................................................... 3-74
Irradiance Measurement.................................................................................................................................. 3-75

Getting Started
1-3
Prediction of PV Performance ........................................................................................................................ 3-75
Translation of Measured Values to STC......................................................................................................... 3-75
Measurement of Isc.......................................................................................................................................... 3-76
CALIBRATION VERIFICATION............................................................................................................................... 3-76
PVA PC SOFTWARE UPDATES............................................................................................................................. 3-77
PVA-1500 AND SOLSENSOR 300V2 FIRMWARE UPDATES .................................................................................. 3-77
4MAKING MEASUREMENTS......................................................................................................................... 4-79
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... 4-79
BEFORE YOU GO TO THE FIELD TO MAKE MEASUREMENTS ................................................................................... 4-79
Charge the equipment..................................................................................................................................... 4-79
Check that you are using the latest PVA software.......................................................................................... 4-80
Create a Project in the PVA software. ............................................................................................................ 4-80
Make sure you have all your equipment......................................................................................................... 4-80
Assure adequate irradiance for your measurements........................................................................................ 4-80
MAKING MEASUREMENTS IN THE FIELD.............................................................................................................. 4-81
Measure the open circuit voltage Voc............................................................................................................. 4-81
Place the I-V Unit near the PV circuits to be measured.................................................................................. 4-81
Connect the test leads to the PVA................................................................................................................... 4-81
Launch the PVA software............................................................................................................................... 4-81
Load your Project............................................................................................................................................ 4-82
Mount SolSensor............................................................................................................................................. 4-82
Attach SolSensor thermocouple...................................................................................................................... 4-82
Turn on the I-V Measurement Unit, and connect wirelessly to your PC ........................................................ 4-82
Turn on SolSensor .......................................................................................................................................... 4-83
Prepare the PV source circuits for measurement ............................................................................................ 4-83
Are you measuring strings in parallel?............................................................................................................ 4-83
Are you measuring high-efficiency modules? ................................................................................................ 4-83
Connect the test leads to the PV equipment.................................................................................................... 4-84
Select the first PV circuit to be measured....................................................................................................... 4-84
Make your first measurement ......................................................................................................................... 4-84
Select the next PV circuit and take another measurement .............................................................................. 4-86
View the consistency of your data before moving on..................................................................................... 4-86
Alerts............................................................................................................................................................... 4-87
Data backup .................................................................................................................................................... 4-88
5TROUBLESHOOTING PVA OPERATION ................................................................................................. 5-89
TROUBLESHOOTING USING STATUS MESSAGES................................................................................................... 5-89
TROUBLESHOOTING BY SYMPTOM....................................................................................................................... 5-93
"No I-V Measurement Unit" message............................................................................................................. 5-93
SolSensor parameter values are not displayed................................................................................................ 5-94
Communication to I-V Measurement Unit or SolSensor briefly drops out..................................................... 5-94
It takes more time than usual to return and save a measurement.................................................................... 5-95
I-V curve does not reach down to the X-axis.................................................................................................. 5-95
I-V trace consists of straight line segments..................................................................................................... 5-95
Trace is noisy.................................................................................................................................................. 5-95
I-V curve drops to zero current at one or more points .................................................................................... 5-95
Short circuit current is much higher, or lower, than predicted by the model.................................................. 5-96
Unstable voltage message............................................................................................................................... 5-96

Getting Started
1-4
I-V Measurement Unit cannot be turned on.................................................................................................... 5-96
Thermal fuse ................................................................................................................................................... 5-96
6MEASURING IRRADIANCE, TEMPERATURE, AND TILT ................................................................... 6-97
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... 6-97
MEASURING IRRADIANCE WITH SOLSENSOR ....................................................................................................... 6-99
SolSensor irradiance sensor............................................................................................................................ 6-99
Preliminary vs Effective Irradiance ................................................................................................................ 6-99
SolSensor Precautions..................................................................................................................................... 6-99
Protecting the Irradiance Sensor Element................................................................................................... 6-99
Cleaning the Irradiance Sensor................................................................................................................... 6-99
Orienting and mounting the irradiance sensor ................................................................................................ 6-99
Albedo effects............................................................................................................................................... 6-100
Diffuse light.................................................................................................................................................. 6-100
DETERMINING IRRADIANCE FROM THE MEASURED I-V CURVE ......................................................................... 6-101
ENTERING IRRADIANCE MANUALLY.................................................................................................................. 6-102
MEASURING PV MODULE BACKSIDE TEMPERATURE WITH A THERMOCOUPLE ................................................. 6-102
Selecting a thermocouple wire gauge ........................................................................................................... 6-103
Selecting a thermocouple tip......................................................................................................................... 6-103
Selecting a tape for thermocouple attachment .............................................................................................. 6-103
Attaching the thermocouple to the module backside .................................................................................... 6-104
Choosing a location to mount the thermocouple on the module or array...................................................... 6-104
MEASURING PV MODULE TEMPERATURE WITH AN INFRARED THERMOMETER................................................... 6-104
DETERMINING CELL TEMPERATURE FROM THE MEASURED I-V CURVE ............................................................ 6-105
USING SMARTTEMP TO MEASURE CELL TEMPERATURE.................................................................................... 6-106
7INTERPRETING MEASURED I-V CURVES ............................................................................................ 7-107
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................. 7-107
INPUTS TO THE PV MODEL................................................................................................................................. 7-107
I-V CURVE TERMINOLOGY ................................................................................................................................ 7-108
Performance Factor....................................................................................................................................... 7-108
Fill Factor...................................................................................................................................................... 7-108
THE SHAPE OF A NORMAL I-V CURVE ............................................................................................................... 7-109
INTERPRETING I-V CURVES ............................................................................................................................... 7-110
1. NOTCHES OR STEPS ........................................................................................................................................ 7-112
Array Is Partially Shaded, or non-uniform soiling or debris is present......................................................... 7-114
PV Cells Are Damaged................................................................................................................................. 7-114
2. LOW CURRENT............................................................................................................................................... 7-114
Uniform soiling............................................................................................................................................. 7-115
Strip shade .................................................................................................................................................... 7-115
Dirt dam........................................................................................................................................................ 7-115
Module Degradation ..................................................................................................................................... 7-115
Incorrect PV Module Is Selected for the PV Model ..................................................................................... 7-115
Number of PV Strings in Parallel Is Not Entered Correctly in the Model.................................................... 7-115
Irradiance Changed Between Irradiance and I-V Measurements.................................................................. 7-115
Irradiance Sensor Is Not Oriented in the Plane of Array .............................................................................. 7-116
Albedo Effects (reflection) ........................................................................................................................... 7-116
Manual Irradiance Sensor Is Not Accurate................................................................................................... 7-116
3. LOW VOLTAGE ............................................................................................................................................... 7-117

Getting Started
1-5
PV Cell Temperature Measurement Is Incorrect........................................................................................... 7-117
One or More Bypass Diodes Are Shorted..................................................................................................... 7-117
4. ROUNDER KNEE.............................................................................................................................................. 7-118
5. STEEPER SLOPE IN HORIZONTAL LEG.............................................................................................................. 7-119
Tapered shade or dirt dam across all cell groups .......................................................................................... 7-119
Increased Shunting in PV Cells .................................................................................................................... 7-119
6. LESS STEEP SLOPE IN VERTICAL LEG............................................................................................................... 7-120
PV Wiring Has Excess Resistance................................................................................................................ 7-120
Electrical Interconnections in the Array Are Resistive................................................................................. 7-121
Series Resistance of PV Modules Has Increased.......................................................................................... 7-121
TROUBLESHOOTING PV ARRAYS ....................................................................................................................... 7-121
8TRANSLATION OF I-V DATA TO STANDARD TEST CONDITIONS................................................. 8-123
PARAMETER DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................. 8-123
TRANSLATION EQUATIONS................................................................................................................................. 8-124
Figures
FIGURE 1. PVA-1500S/V2/V3/V4/T MC-4 TO ALLIGATOR CLIP (LEFT), AND PVA-1500HE BANANA JACK TO
ALLIGATOR CLIP (MIDDLE)AND BANANA JACK TO GOLD-PLATED MC-4 (RIGHT)................................... 1-18
FIGURE 2.WELCOME SCREEN................................................................................................................................ 1-22
FIGURE 3.PREREQUISITES DIALOG........................................................................................................................ 1-23
FIGURE 4.INSTALLATION DEFAULT LOCATION DIALOG ....................................................................................... 1-23
FIGURE 5.INSTALLATION COMPLETE DIALOG ...................................................................................................... 1-24
FIGURE 6.THE SOFTWARE USER INTERFACE......................................................................................................... 1-24
FIGURE 7.DIRECTORY STRUCTURE OF PVA SOFTWARE...................................................................................... 1-25
FIGURE 8.BATTERY CHARGER CONNECTOR ON THE I-V MEASUREMENT UNIT ................................................. 1-25
FIGURE 9.CHARGER CONNECTED.......................................................................................................................... 1-26
FIGURE 10. THE WIFI NETWORK OF THE PVA-1500, SOLSENSOR,AND YOUR PC. ............................................ 1-27
FIGURE 11. LED-ILLUMINATED BUTTON SWITCH................................................................................................. 2-29
FIGURE 12. SOLSENSOR MOUNTED ON THE FRAME OF A PVMODULE ................................................................. 2-32
FIGURE 13. SOLSENSOR TOOL LANYARD SECURED TO A RACKING MEMBER....................................................... 2-33
FIGURE 14. SOLSENSOR CORRECTLY SEATED ALONG THE UPPER HORIZONTAL LEG OF THE MODULE FRAME.2-34
FIGURE 15. TIP OF FRAME CLAMP PROPERLY SEATED ON INSIDE SURFACE OF MODULE FRAME ........................ 2-34
FIGURE 16. THERMOCOUPLE PLUGGED INTO THE TC1 CONNECTOR................................................................... 2-35
FIGURE 17. LOCATING THE THERMOCOUPLE TIP ON A SINGLE FREE-STANDING MODULE.................................. 2-35
FIGURE 18. SOLSENSOR PUSHBUTTON WITH LED LIT.LED BLINKS UNTIL WIRELESS NETWORK IS ESTABLISHED,
AFTER WHICH IT REMAINS ON.............................................................................................................. 2-36
FIGURE 19. TRIPOD MOUNTING SETUP................................................................................................................... 2-38
FIGURE 20. EXAMPLE OF I-V MEASUREMENT UNIT TEST LEADS CLIPPED TO THE BUSS BARS OF A PV COMBINER
BOX ........................................................................................................................................................ 2-40
FIGURE 21. POWERING-UP THE I-V MEASUREMENT UNIT ................................................................................... 2-41
FIGURE 22. PVA SOFTWARE MAIN SCREEN ........................................................................................................... 3-46
FIGURE 23. FILE MENU .......................................................................................................................................... 3-47
FIGURE 24. THE SITE INFO SCREEN OF THE NEW PROJECT WIZARD .................................................................. 3-48
FIGURE 25. CONTROLS IN THE SITE INFO SCREEN,SET FOR A FIXED ARRAY WITH 180-DEGREE AZIMUTH....... 3-48
FIGURE 26. MOST COMMON SETTINGS FOR A HORIZONTAL SINGLE-AXIS TRACKING SYSTEM........................... 3-49

Getting Started
1-6
FIGURE 27. THE TIME ZONE CONTROL IN THE SITE INFO SCREEN....................................................................... 3-49
FIGURE 28. THE PV MODULE SCREEN OF THE NEW PROJECT WIZARD.............................................................. 3-50
FIGURE 29. SELECTION OF THE PV MODULE’S MANUFACTURER AND MODEL NUMBER,AND CORRESPONDING LIST
OF MODULE PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS........................................................................................... 3-50
FIGURE 30. ARRAY NAVIGATOR WITH SYMMETRICAL TREE BUILDER.THIS IS THE FINAL STEP IN CREATING A
PROJECT................................................................................................................................................ 3-51
FIGURE 31. FINISHED ARRAY TREE FOR A UTILITY PV FIELD............................................................................... 3-52
FIGURE 32. THE DEFAULT SYSTEM TREE IN THE SYMMETRICAL TREE BUILDER................................................ 3-52
FIGURE 33. CONTROLS FOR EDITING THE STRING WIRING PROPERTIES OF YOUR ARRAY TREE......................... 3-54
FIGURE 34. DIRECTORY STRUCTURE USED BY THE PVA SOFTWARE ................................................................... 3-55
FIGURE 35. PROPERTIES MENU.............................................................................................................................. 3-56
FIGURE 36. UTILITY MENU,USED TO CONTROL HOUSEKEEPING FUNCTIONS............................................................ 3-56
FIGURE 37. HELP MENU........................................................................................................................................... 3-60
FIGURE 38. TRACES TAB,SHOWING THE MEASURED I-V CURVE AND THE EXPECTED LOCATIONS OF ISC,
MAXIMUM POWER POINT,AND VOC..................................................................................................... 3-61
FIGURE 39. TABLE TAB........................................................................................................................................... 3-65
FIGURE 40. HISTORY TAB......................................................................................................................................... 3-67
FIGURE 41. MEG TEST TAB .................................................................................................................................... 3-68
FIGURE 42. HEADER INFORMATION SECTION OF THE EXPORTED CSV FILE................................................................ 3-70
FIGURE 43. THE MEASUREMENT VS.MODEL SECTION OF THE EXPORTED CSV FILE.................................................. 3-71
FIGURE 44. THE SOLSENSOR MEASUREMENTS SECTION OF THE EXPORTED CSV FILE............................................... 3-71
FIGURE 45. MODEL DETAILS SECTION OF THE EXPORTED CSV FILE .......................................................................... 3-72
FIGURE 46. THE VOLTAGE,CURRENT,AND POWER DATA FROM THE I-V MEASUREMENT ......................................... 3-74
FIGURE 47. CALIBRATION VERIFICATION DIALOG.................................................................................................... 3-76
FIGURE 48. CHARGING ICONS................................................................................................................................... 4-79
FIGURE 49. OVER-TEMP CHARGING ICON ................................................................................................................. 4-79
FIGURE 50. RESULTS OF AN I-V CURVE MEASUREMENT ....................................................................................... 4-84
FIGURE 51. PROJECT BACKUP SETTINGS .................................................................................................................. 4-88
FIGURE 52. STATUS INDICATOR................................................................................................................................ 5-89
FIGURE 53. DEFINITION OF THE FILL FACTOR. ....................................................................................................... 7-109
FIGURE 54. ANORMAL I-V CURVE FOR THE PARALLEL COMBINATION OF TWO STRINGS OF EIGHT 175-WATT
MODULES,COMPARED WITH THE THREE POINTS PREDICTED BY THE PV MODEL............................ 7-109
FIGURE 55. DEVIATIONS IN THE SHAPE OF THE I-V CURVE FALL INTO ONE (OR A COMBINATION)OF THESE SIX
CATEGORIES........................................................................................................................................ 7-111
FIGURE 56. THE EFFECT OF PARTIAL SHADING ON A STRING I-V CURVE................................................................. 7-112
FIGURE 57. THE SHADING IMPACT OF PLACING A BUSINESS CARD ON A SINGLE CELL IN A STRING OF FIFTEEN 180-WATT
MODULES.............................................................................................................................................. 7-113
FIGURE 58. THE EFFECT OF INTENTIONALLY SHADING ENTIRE MODULES IN DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS,IN TWO
PARALLEL-CONNECTED STRINGS (OVERLAY OF SEVERAL MEASUREMENTS)......................................... 7-113
FIGURE 59. MEASUREMENT WITH LESS STEEP THAN PREDICTED SLOPE IN THE VERTICAL LEG OF THE I-V CURVE.
............................................................................................................................................................. 7-117
FIGURE 60. I-V CURVE MEASUREMENT SHOWING ROUNDER KNEE THAN PREDICTED BY THE PV MODEL. .............. 7-118
FIGURE 61. AN I-V CURVE SHOWING STEEPER SLOPE IN THE HORIZONTAL LEG OF THE I-V CURVE........................ 7-119
FIGURE 62. MEASUREMENT WITH LESS STEEP SLOPE IN THE VERTICAL LEG OF THE I-V CURVE. ............................ 7-120

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1-7
Tables
TABLE 1. PVA-1500 ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................... 1-11
TABLE 2. ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE TEST LEADS AND CLIPS PROVIDED WITH THE
PVA-1500.*........................................................................................................................................... 1-13
TABLE 3. SOLSENSOR SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................................... 1-14
TABLE 4. PUSHBUTTON LED TABLE FOR THE PVA-1500 I-V UNIT AND SOLSENSOR ......................................... 2-30
TABLE 5. SWEEP-TO-SWEEP DELAY.......................................................................................................................... 2-42
TABLE 6. THERMAL CAPACITY (# I-V MEASUREMENTS BEFORE EXTENDED COOL-DOWN)...................................... 2-42
TABLE 7. UTILITY MENU DESCRIPTION..................................................................................................................... 3-57
TABLE 8. HELP MENU DESCRIPTION....................................................................................................................... 3-60
TABLE 9. TRACES TAB DESCRIPTION...................................................................................................................... 3-62
TABLE 10. TABLE TAB DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................ 3-66
TABLE 11. HISTORY TAB ADVANCED PARAMETERS ................................................................................................ 3-67
TABLE 12. MEG TEST TAB DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................... 3-69
TABLE 13. DESCRIPTION OF THE HEADER INFORMATION SECTION OF THE EXPORTED CSV FILE ............................... 3-70
TABLE 14. DESCRIPTION OF THE SOLSENSOR MEASUREMENTS SECTION OF THE EXPORTED CSV FILE...................... 3-72
TABLE 15. DESCRIPTION OF THE MODEL DETAILS SECTION OF THE EXPORTED CSV FILE ......................................... 3-73
TABLE 16. MEASUREMENT ALERTS ......................................................................................................................... 4-87
TABLE 17. SENSOR CHOICES .................................................................................................................................... 6-98

Getting Started
1-8
1Getting Started
Overview
This User Guide covers the PVA-1500 I-V Measurement Units, the SolSensors, and PVA application
software. Throughout this user’s guide when you see “PV Analyzer” or “PVA-1500” it is referring to
all 1500 Volt versions, including the PVA-1500S, PVA-1500V2, PVA-1500V3, PVA-1500V4, PVA-
1500T, and PVA-1500HE.
The Solmetric PV Analyzer is a portable electrical test instrument designed for commissioning and
troubleshooting PV arrays. It measures the current-voltage (I-V) curves of PV modules and strings and
immediately compares the results to the predictions of built-in PV models. Measurement results are
easily saved for future reference and analysis. The I-V Measurement Unit and associated sensor unit are
controlled wirelessly by your tablet or notebook PC. Wireless interfaces allow you to move around in
the immediate work area without the trip hazards associated with hard-wired interconnections.
Irradiance, PV module temperature, and PV module tilt are measured by SolSensor, a wireless PV
reference sensor that streams this data to your PC. Sensor measurements are also triggered
simultaneously with the I-V curve measurement and saved with the I-V curve data.
The (I-V) curve of a PV module, string, harness, or array provides a detailed description of its energy
conversion ability. The curve nominally ranges from the short circuit current (Isc) at zero volts, to the
open circuit voltage (Voc) at zero current. At the ‘knee’ of a normal I-V curve are the maximum power
current and voltage (Imp, Vmp), the point at which the array generates the maximum electrical power at
the present irradiance and temperature. All of these important voltages and currents are captured when
the I-V curve is measured. The detailed shape of the curve between these points gives additional
information about the health of the PV module, string, or array under test.
The value of the measured I-V curve is greatly increased by comparing it with the predictions of a
comprehensive PV model. The model takes into account the specifications of the PV modules, the
number of modules in series and strings in parallel, and the losses in system wiring. Other data used by
the model includes the irradiance in the plane of the array, the module temperature, and array
orientation.
The PC software that controls the PV analyzer contains a powerful graphical Array Navigator tool with
a graphical array tree that you touch to save and recall your measurement data. The New Project Wizard
guides you in setting up the PV model and customizing the array tree to your project.
The PC software can also save insulation resistance data collected by a separate insulation resistance
tester. This data is stored and managed using the same type of array tree touch interface as the I-V
measurement results.

Getting Started
1-9
NOTE On its website Solmetric posts notices of software updates. It’s a good idea to check this from time to
time by visiting Solmetric.com. Select Support, Downloads, PV Analyzer software and documentation.
You will see a link to download the current software, and the current version number. Compare that
version number with the version you are running, which is found by selecting Help, About. If you want
to update, just download the newer version and run the installer. It is free and takes only a few minutes.
Version 4.x PVA software supports all the curve tracers that use SolSensor.
Computer Minimum System Requirements
•Test and Supported Operating System: Windows®11,10, 8, or 7 (32 and 64-bit versions)
•WiFi
•Display Resolution: 1024 X 600 (minimum)
•Processor Speed: >1 GHz, 1.5 GHz recommended. A Windows Experience Index (Processor
component) of 2.3 or greater is recommended. This value is available on your PC's Control
Panel under "Performance Information and Tools".
•RAM: 4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended
•Available Disc Space: 100 Mbytes or more
•Systems that do not meet these requirements may not operate correctly.
•A Windows laptop or laptop will work well. Tablets tend to be more rugged than laptops in the
field. When choosing a device, we recommend looking for:
•A device with a touchscreen for best productivity
•A tablet or a laptop that can be used as a tablet
•Good viewing contrast in bright sun
•Anti-glare screen surface
•Good viewing angle so multiple people can see the screen
Equipment
Curve Tracer Equipment
•I-V Measurement Unit
•Soft Case
•PVA Software Application (available at http://www.solmetric.com/downloads-pva.html)
•AC Wall Plug Charger
•MC-4 to MC-4 Connector-Saver Cable (2) (not used with PVA-1500HE)
•1500V rated test leads for PVA-1500HE: banana jack to MC-4 and banana jack to
dolphin clips. For other PVA models: MC-4 to dolphin clips
•MC-4 connector tool

Getting Started
1-10
•User’s Guide — (available in the HELP menu of the PVA software and from
http://www.solmetric.com/downloads-pva.html).
•Quick Reference Card
•Optional transit case and field charger kit
SolSensor Equipment
•SolSensor unit (The PVA-1500S operates with the SolSensor 300 and the PVA-1500/HE
operates with the SolSensor 300V2).
•K-type thermocouple temperature sensors (2)
•Soft Case (unless PVA kit was purchased with the transit case option)
•Module Frame Clamp
•AC Wall Plug Charger
•Adhesive discs for thermocouple attachment (50)
•SolSensor tool lanyard
•Irradiance sensor cleaning supplies (micro-fiber cloth and distilled water spray)

Getting Started
1-11
Specifications
PVA-1500 I-V Measurement Unit Specifications
Safety Rating: Measuring Category CAT III 1500V (applies to the I-V Measurement Unit only. Refer to
the PVA-1500 Test Lead and Clip Specifications section on page 1-13 for their unique specifications).
Table 1. PVA-1500 electrical and mechanical specifications
Parameter
PVA-
1500S/V2/V3/V4
PVA-1500T
PVA-1500HE
Voltage range (Voc)
20 –1500 V DC
Maximum current range (Isc)
for module efficiency < 19% 1
0 - 30 A DC
for module efficiency ≥ 19% 1
0 - 10A DC
0 - 30 A DC
Voltage accuracy (0 to 45° C)
±0.5% ±0.25 V
Current accuracy (0 to 45° C)
±0.5% ±0.04 A
Voltage resolution
25 mV
Current resolution
2 mA
Measurement Throughput 2
Sweep-to-sweep delay
(1@VOC < 1350 V)
<18 seconds
<9 seconds
Max # I-V sweeps per
hour
(1@VOC < 1350 V)
200 sweeps/hr
400 sweeps/hr
Max megawatts
measured per hour
2.6 MW/hr
3.5 MW/hr
Thermal Capacity 3
# sweeps at 18s sweep-
to-sweep delay
800 (77oF ambient)
225 (113oF ambient)
unlimited (77oF ambient)
550 (113oF ambient)
# sweeps at 9s sweep-to-
sweep delay
N/A
unlimited (77oF ambient)
330 (113oF ambient)

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1-12
Parameter
PVA-
1500S/V2/V3/V4
PVA-1500T
PVA-1500HE
I-V sweep duration 4
0.05 - 2s. Typically 0.2s for PV strings.
Number of I-V trace points
100 or 500 (user controlled)
Wireless range (open line of
sight)
100m
Operating temperature range
32 to 113° F, 0 to +45º C
Storage temperature range
-4 to 149° F, -20 to +65ºC
Operating humidity
<90% RH, non-
condensing. Avoid
exposing a cold
instrument to warm and
humid air as
condensation will result.
Store the instrument in
the same conditions in
which it will be used.
<90% RH, non-condensing. Avoid
exposing a cold instrument to warm
and humid air as condensation will
result. Store the instrument in the
same conditions in which it will be
used.
Battery charging time
6 hr.
Battery run time
Approx. 8 hours5
Approx. 7 hours5
Warning features
Over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature, reverse polarity
PV connector
Staubli MC4-EVO2
Banana Jacks
Charging/charged LED
No
Yes
In-the-field firmware update-
ready
No
Yes
Interface to Table/Laptop6
Wireless USB dongle
Wireless interface between user's
tablet or laptop, I-V unit, and
SolSensor.
Weight
6.6 kg7
7.3 kg7
Height
43.2 cm
(including test lead and strain reliefs)
53.3 cm
Width
21.6 cm
Depth
15.2 cm
1High efficiency modules have high capacitance which can cause a large in-rush current when I-V
curves are measured. This can trigger an over-current warning in the PVA that prevents the
measurement from completing. The in-rush current is increased by higher efficiency, higher current
strings, higher voltage strings, higher bifaciality, and higher irradiance. For an explanation of

Getting Started
1-13
flexibility in the 10A limit and how to handle high efficiency modules, see the section: Are you
measuring high-efficiency modules?
2Time between pressing "Measure Now" and display of measurement result. The specifications
shown are for 1000V < Voc ≤ 1350V. For other voltage ranges see Table 5. Max Megawatts per
hour spec assumes reference PV system with Vmp = 1100V and Imp = 25A.
3Thermal capacity is the # of I-V sweeps before the PVA must cool down for an extended period.
These specs assume a reference PV system with Voc = 1300V, Vmp = 1100 V, 16 strings per
combiner, 5 min to move to next combiner with no measurements. No direct sunlight on I-V unit.
4Automatically selected. Measurement sweep time depends upon the characteristics of the test
device (PV module, string, or array) electrical characteristics.
5Runtimes are at 25 °C internal temperature and is shorter at colder temperatures.
6The measurement is controlled via wireless link from the user's tablet or notebook PC.
7This measurement includes the soft case, test leads and charger.
PVA-1500 Test Lead and Clip Specifications
Table 2. Electrical and mechanical specifications for the test leads and clips provided with the
PVA-1500.*
Parameter
Specification
Voltage range
0 –1500 V DC
Current range
0 –30 A DC
Temperature
0°C to 45°C
Humidity
Maximum relative humidity of 80 % for
temperatures up to 31 °C decreasing linearly to
50 % relative humidity at 40 °C
Pollution degree
2
Altitude
Up to 2000 m
Lead length
152 cm
Lead colors
Positive = red, negative = black
Manufacturer (test leads and Dolphin clips)
Staubli
*Use only test leads and clips provided by Solmetric for the PVA-1500.

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1-14
SolSensor Specifications
Table 3. SolSensor specifications
Parameter
SolSensor Specification
Irradiance
Sensor type
Silicon photodiode with corrections for temperature,
spectral, and angular effects
Measurement range
100 –1,500 W/m2
Accuracy
Typically, ±2% when used to predict the
performance of well characterized poly- and
monocrystalline PV modules with direct irradiance
>600W/m2. Contact Solmetric Application
Engineering for more information on accurate
irradiance measurements.
Resolution
1 W/m2
Measurement interval
0.1 s (Measurement bandwidth approximately
10 Hz)
Temperature
Sensor type
Type K thermocouple. Two inputs.
Measurement range
0 –100ºC
Accuracy
Typically, less than 2C including inherent
thermocouple limitations and assuming SmartTemp
Resolution
0.1ºC
Measurement interval
1 s
Tilt
Sensor type
Electronic
Measurement range
0 –90 deg from horizontal
Accuracy
±2 deg typical (0-45 deg)
General
Measurement synchronization with
I-V curve
Typically, less than 1s
Wireless range (open line of sight)
SolSensor 300/300V2: 100m
Operating temperature range
0 to 45ºC

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1-15
Parameter
SolSensor Specification
Storage temperature range
-20 to 65ºC
Operating humidity
<90% RH, non-condensing. Avoid exposing a cold
instrument to warm and humid air as condensation
will result. Store the instrument in the same
conditions in which it will be used.
Battery charging time
6 hr.
Battery run time
Greater than 16 hours typical use
Weight
0.9 kg (not including soft case and accessories)
Height
38.cm
Width
11 cm
Depth
7 cm
Ingress protection
IP65
Safety and Regulatory
PVA-1500 Safety and Regulatory
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Before operating the PVA-1500, familiarize yourself with the following notations.
WARNING A Warning calls attention to a procedure, which, if not performed correctly, could result in
personal injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a warning note until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and met.
CAUTION A Caution calls attention to a procedure that, if not performed correctly, could result in damage
to, or destruction of, the instrument. Do not proceed beyond a caution note until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and met.
NOTE A Note provides important or special information.

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1-16
Declaration of Conformity
A declaration of conformity is available upon request.
Cleaning
To remove dirt or dust from the external case and/or hard enclosure of the PVA-1500, use a dry or
slightly dampened cloth only.
WARNING To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the PVA-1500 from the PV system and/or battery charger
before cleaning. Use only a dry cloth or cloth slightly dampened with water to clean the external
case and hard enclosure parts. Do not attempt to clean internally.
Instrument Markings
The PVA-1500 have the following markings on the front and/or rear panel. Familiarize yourself with
these markings before operating the PVA-1500.
The cTUVus mark signifies that the
product has been thoroughly tested and
specifically certified to comply with
the electrical and fire safety regulations
of Canada and the United States.
The instruction manual symbol. The
product is marked with this symbol
when it is necessary for you to refer to
instructions in the manual.
This symbol indicates separate
collection for electrical and electronic
equipment, mandated under EU law as
of August 13, 2005. All electrical and
electronic equipment are required to be
separated from normal waste for
disposal. (Reference WEEE Directive,
2002/96/EC.)
The IEC HV symbol indicates the
presence of hazardous voltages.
Danger exists of electrical shock that
can cause severe injury or death.